The 7 Best Beginner Kayaks Reviewed For 2018

Getting started kayaking can be a tricky proposal. Their narrow frames are squirrely and using a double bladed paddle can be less than intuitive when first starting out.

However, it won’t take long before you realize how advantageous these nimble little watercraft can be. Kayaks are popular for many reasons and finding a beginner kayak doesn’t need to be a difficult process.

In this article I’m going to help you learn what it takes to pick out the best beginner kayak for you.

Learning to kayak is hard enough, there’s no reason to add the stress of learning how to choose one!

That’s why I’ll walk you through what to look for in a beginner kayak, step by step.

Then I’m going to suggest a few popular and highly rated beginner kayaks that you can get started with quickly, and easily.

By the end of this article you’ll know what to look for when buying your new kayak and a few suggestions to pick from.

One often overlooked feature on kayaks is the quality of the seat. Old Town has avoided that problem on the Dirigio by including an amply padded molded foam seat.

I love the wide shoulders of the seat back which wrap around to fully support the paddler. There’s nothing worse than a back ache from a day of kayaking.

On the deck there’s tons of shock cord lashing. These elastic bungee cords can be used to lash down coolers, jackets, fishing gear, or anything else for a day of paddling.

There’s also some extra storage room in the dry well behind the cockpit. Put your phone in a ziplock before storing in the hatch though, because it may not be perfectly waterproof.

I like that there are included thigh pads and a cup holder in this recreational boat. There’s enough room to relax and move your legs a bit so you don’t feel cramped on a lazy day of paddling the lake with family or friends.

Its a tough call, but this is certainly a top contender as the best kayak for beginners!

The Malibu is a sit on top style kayak. That means it has tons of leg room, wiggle room, and space to easily get in and out of the boat. Ocean Kayak is the brand name of this boat, not to be confused with an ocean faring kayak.

There are two adjustable molded foam seats front and back but there’s a third hidden seat. In the center is space for a child seat which is molded into the plastic of the boat itself.

While it might not be as comfy as a foam seat, it’s always there and doesn’t take up space so you can easily adjust to having a child along with you.

With up to three people and extra gear along for the lunch picnic, you’ll have to be careful not to overload the boat. There’s a maximum total weight capacity of 425 pounds.

With three people and gear that’s not a lot of wiggle room, so be sure to plan ahead if you need an extra boat. If your looking for the best tandem kayak for beginners, this is it!

Wilderness Systems also gets big points of making the integrated adjustable seat one of the most generous on our list. There’s tons of ergonomic padding that makes a long paddling trip easy to stomach.

Overall this is arguably the most feature rich beginner kayak on our list. Best for the upgrade option!

Once the kids get too big to fit in the middle seat of your tandem kayak, it might be time to upgrade. Besides, it’s nice to let them tire themselves out in their own boat!

Old Town Kayaks, a widely recognized name in recreational boats, made this kayak just for the kids. It had an integrated tag along system which is made specifically to help you tow the kids along if they do get too tired.

Trust me, it’s way better than being stuck on the river with a crying child that refuses to paddle!

There’s also an integrated molded foam seat that’s made for kids. It’s not adjustable, but that’s both good and bad.

While it would be nice to adjust the seat as your child grows, having less straps and things to go wrong is always a positive when it comes to getting children into new sports.

Once the kids get above 100 – 115 pounds it’s time for them to move to an adult kayak. Fortunately the kayak itself is lightweight enough that most kids can carry it themselves, at just 26 pounds total. The Heron is probably the best kids kayak available.

I love sit on top kayaks for their durability, simplicity, and efficiency. This single person kayak is a sit on top model with tons of space and storage.

There’s a sealed hatch for 6” of dry storage which should be enough to keep your keys and phone safe. I find this to be a crucial buying point in a kayak as it’s handy and functional enough to be a critical feature.

The molded foam seat on top is generously sized and four way adjustable. That’s not much different than most entry level kayaks, but it is good to see that they didn’t skimp on sizing the seat.

A large, comfy seat is key to an enjoyable long paddling trip.

The Scrambler has 6 overlapping foot rests molded directly into the boat itself. Unlike adjustable footrests in some kayaks, you use these simply by putting your feet on different pegs rather than adjusting the footrests at all.

This is a simple, trouble free design with nothing to break. Ocean makes some of the best beginner kayaks for the money and the Scrambler is at the top of the list!

Best For: Single person kayaking where durability and ease of use are the most important factors.

This single person kayak is small, lightweight, and agile. Ready to paddle fast water, rivers, or narrow passages you’ll have tons of options.

I like that this beginner kayak is smaller than some others on our list because it gives the paddler a lot of control.

Of course this boat won’t be quite as good at paddling longer, straight trips as a lengthy boat. At just over 9 feet long it’s enough to track well, but short enough to be one of the most agile boats on our list.

There’s a paddle keeper molded into the side of the boat which holds your paddle with a shock cord lashing. On the deck, both bow and stern, there is a ton of deck lashing.

That’s an important feature on a smaller boat because there’s little space inside the boat for gear. Unfortunately, there’s no dry storage on the boat which I would have liked to see.

If you are looking for the best cheap beginner kayak that is quality made, the Glide is for you!

Best For: Fast, narrow waters where agility is more important than efficiency.

Types of Beginner Kayaks

Kayaks come in many varieties and buying the first boat you can find may not be the best move. It all starts by thinking about what type of kayaking sounds the most fun to you.

Are you interested in paddling fast waters down narrow canyons in giant whitewater? Or do you prefer to head out fishing alone on a lazy evening in the small lake out back?

Maybe you and a partner love to paddle together and want a kayak that can store enough gear for a camping trip?

No matter what the situation is, there’s a kayak out there for you. However, the best whitewater kayaks won’t make great fishing boats. Of course, the inverse is also true.

Tandem Kayak vs Solo Kayak

So, what’ll it be then?

Fishing Kayaks – Are made specifically for anglers. These usually have some extra space for gear and enough room to get comfortable. You’ll also want fishing specific items like rod holders and maybe even an anchor.

Whitewater Kayaks – Are made for the unique challenges of paddling rough, fast water. If you live in an area with good whitewater paddling and you plan to partake in this sport then a dedicated whitewater kayak is your best option! Do not try to use a recreational kayak for whitewater – it won’t end well.

Recreational Kayaks – Are probably the most common type of beginner boat. They’re usually made to paddle gentle rivers, flat lakes, and other less demanding situations.

These boats are comfortable and easy to use, they’re also generally quite affordable. They don’t have a specific job but instead they’re made to do a little of everything.

Touring Kayaks – Are generally purpose-built boats that perform well in open waters on long journeys. They’re usually made for speed, efficiency, and long trips. These boats often have room for camping gear and they’re made to take on the rigors of paddling unique situations such as sea kayaking.

Tandem Kayaks are boats made to handle two paddlers. These can come in just about any flavor so long as the boat has room for two people. This usually means two separate cockpits unless it’s a sit on top kayak.

Folding and Inflatable Kayaks are alternative choices that can be great options for some. These inflatable kayaks can literally be folded down or blown up to fit into backpacks, cars, and easy carrying spaces.

They’re still usually pretty heavy, but at least they’ll fit in the back of an SUV instead of needing a roof rack!

Sit on Top vs Sit Inside Kayaks

Sit on Top Kayaks – Are a relatively newly popular trend in the boating industry. They offer many advantages such as simplicity, durability, ease of use, and self-bailing.

Because you sit on top of the kayak there’s tons of wiggle room and space for gear, beer, or goodies. These make excellent fishing kayaks and recreational kayaks!

Sit Inside Kayaks – Like a sit on top kayak, sit inside kayaks have a seat and foot pedals/pegs so you can get comfortable paddling. However, instead of being on top of the kayak you are in an enclosed cockpit.

With this type of kayak you have some protection from the elements and you can attach what is called a “spray skirt” giving you even more protection from the wind and water.

Let’s look at some pros and cons of each type to figure out which type is best for you.

Pros and Cons of Sit-on-Top Kayaks

Pros:

A sit on top kayak is more beginner friendly, they are easier to get into and out of. If you are at all claustrophobic, then the enclosed feeling of a sit in kayak may make you uncomfortable.

A sit in kayak will be self-bailing because they have what are called “scupper holes”. These are holes that allow water splashed into the kayak to drain out.

Cons:

This type of kayak is best for warm weather/water conditions.

You are much more likely to get wet from waves splashing and water dripping off the paddles.

Pros and Cons of Sit-In Kayaks

Pros:

A sit in kayak will shelter the lower part of your body from the wind making it a warmer paddling experience.

You will have a lower profile, making it slightly easier to paddle because there is less wind resistance. It also gives you a lower center of gravity making it more stable than a sit on top kayak.

Cons:

A sit in kayak is more difficult to get in and out, so if you are less flexible, this may not be the best type of kayak for you.

They are not self-bailing, if water splashes in the kayak you will need to flip it over to drain it.

Which is Better: Sit-in-Kayak or Sit-on-Kayak?

So first let me say one is not better than the other, it really just depends on what YOU like better. Personally I prefer sit on top kayaks but that is ME. Here are some question to help you decide:

Where Will You Be Kayaking? Will it be primarily on calm/sheltered water or in the ocean? Keep in mind a sit-in-kayak will protect you from the elements much better and you have the ability attach a spray skirt giving you even more protection.

Are Worried About Tipping The Kayak Over? A sit in kayak is stable because you are sitting lower in the kayak and have a lower center of gravity providing more stability. Just keep in mind it is hard to get back in AND it is possible to submerge a sit-in-kayak.

What Weather Will Be Using It In? If you will be using the kayak in cold water/weather conditions, a sit in kayak may be best for you because they protect you more. If its primarily a warm weather only sport, then a sit-on-top might be the better option.

Kayak Materials

You can find kayaks made from all sorts of different materials but there are a few common types. For beginner kayaks these are mostly two different kinds of plastics. Of course advanced (and expensive) kayaks made from wood or composite fiber can be found, too.

Polyethylene – Is the material of choice for inexpensive beginner kayaks. Polyethylene is durable, abrasion resistant, and can stand up to tons of wear and tear.

These kayaks are by far the most common and the type you’ll probably find at most retail sporting goods stores. However, they can be fragile when punctured, such as running into a sharp rock.

They’re also the heaviest option and are susceptible to UV damage from prolonged storage in the sun so keep them in the shade.

ABS(Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) – ABS plastic is the second most common construction material for kayaks. It’s a little lighter in weight and offers some mechanical superiority when compared with poly boats.

ABS is naturally a bit more resistant to UV light than polyethylene but you’ll still want to store them in the shade for longevity.

Kayak Length

Kayaks come in all sorts of lengths. For beginners, usually any budget priced boat will be sized fine for recreational use.

If you’re going with a more purposeful use for your kayak, such as whitewater or sea touring you’ll definitely want to pay attention to the length of your boat.

Since boat length is a very specific topic depending on what kind of kayaking you want to do, we’ll leave the full discussion of that topic for another article.

However, what you should know is that short boats are more agile. Longer boats don’t turn as fast, but they track straighter in the water and usually can be paddled at higher speeds more efficiently than shorter boats of the same type.

Keep in mind that kayaks can range from 7 feet to 14+ feet in length. If your vehicle or storage space is small, you may want to carefully consider whether the boat you’re choosing will fit your needs.

Width and Depth

You may or may not find beginner kayaks that are available in the width and depth that you want. Of course with very high end or custom made kayaks, you can choose these characteristics with great precision.

However, beginner kayaks do have some variance when it comes to how wide and deep they are.

Wider kayaks offer more rotational stability. They’re great for getting in and out of the boat or if you’re worried about tipping. These boats will help you stay stable and upright more like a canoe.

The downside is that the wider hull creates more drag and friction, thereby slowing you down with each paddle stroke and adding extra work to your trip.

Deep kayaks have a lot of room inside the cockpit. These boats have a deck that extends well above water line and they sit high in the water.

They’re ideal if you want more legroom or space to stretch your knees a bit while paddling. The downside is that the higher the hull profile, the more easily your boat can catch wind.

You might not be able to buy a custom kayak, but you can compare beginner kayaks side by side to see which one has the features you want!

Kayak Features

Spray Skirt – Having a spray skirt is common among whitewater and touring boats. The skirt prevents waves and water from entering the cockpit and keeping you protected and warm.

Rocker – One of many design considerations to consider in a kayak. The amount of rocker tells you the amount of arc shape that the front of the kayak has.

Skeg – A skeg is a detachable or retractable fin that when in the water stabilizes the kayak and helps you keep the kayak in a straight line.

Rudder – Similar to a skeg, a rudder is used to control the direction of the kayak.

Best Brands of Beginner Kayaks

With the popularity of kayaking ever increasing, there are more and more manufacturers of kayaks. Some specializing in certain types of kayaks. SInce we are only looking at beginner kayaks, lets only consider them:

Ocean Kayak -We feature several of this brand of kayak for good reason! They have been around for decades and have a wide range of kayaks including several excellent beginner models.

Old Town Canoes & Kayaks -Now a subsidiary of Ocean, they have kept the name and their lineup of kayaks separate. Now a part of Ocean we can assume they will keep the same level of quality they always have.

Wilderness Systems – Founded in 1986 are best known for their fishing kayaks but they also feature a excellent lineup of beginner kayaks.

Perception – Having been around for over 40 years they have perfected the kayak! They have what may be the most complete lineup of kayaks of any manufacturer.

Conclusion

Overall the kayak buying experience doesn’t have to be difficult. There are many details to learn as you begin your kayaking hobby but beginner kayaks aren’t particularly complicated.

Of course, if you want more information it’s always a great idea to head to your local outfitter. Learn about particular kayak models and see what type of kayak works the best for you.

Then you can come back to your list of beginner kayaks and find the one that fits your budget!

I hope this guide was helpful for finding the best beginner kayak to fit your needs. If you want to comment or recommend a kayak I didn’t include, please use my contact form to get in touch.

Have fun and be safe out there!

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About Casey Fielder

I am an avid outdoorsman with experience in naturalist education, outside adventure education, ski instruction, and writing. In addition to my outdoor hobbies, I’m a huge fan of punk rock.
I have launched several start-ups. (or business ventures) When exploring the backcountry, I usually carry less than 10 pounds of gear. Years of experience have taught me to pack light.
I enjoy sharing my experiences of backcountry education teaching and guiding through writing.